JPH01191846A - Photograph printing device with simulator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the need of an electrical gradation correction and to correctly execute the coordination of a photograph printing system and a simulator system by a simple constitution by color-monitoring a color image obtained by simulating a color image irradiated by a light beam which has been brought to light control by a color filter, by a characteristic of a photosensitive material. CONSTITUTION:In accordance with input information by operating a keyboard 42, a frame of a color film 13 is positioned on a negative carrier 12, and when monitoring is started, color filters 16-18 are set to standard positions, and a turret 22 and a mirror 25 are set to a printing optical path 20. Also, to the frame which has been set to the optical path 20, a printing light which has been controlled by the filters 16-18 is radiated, and in this state, an image pickup is executed by an image pickup image sensor unit 29. Subsequently, a light beam which has transmitted through a half mirror 27 is made incident on a photometry image sensor unit 31, various color signals are read out separately and brought to A/D conversion 35, a video signal which has been brought to digital conversion is calculated by an arithmetic unit 37, a simulation corresponding to a characteristic of the film 13 is derived, and it is displayed on a color monitor 34 under the control of a CPU 51.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a photo printing apparatus with a simulator that simulates a printed photograph of a color original and displays it on a color monitor.

(Prior art) In a minilab system, etc., a color original image, such as a color negative image, set at the printing position is directly viewed, and correction keys (color key, density keys, function keys, etc.)
The correction amount is entered using the . Recently, instead of viewing a color negative image directly, a color monitor system is built into a photo printing device, and a color image obtained by reversing the negative/positive of the photographed color negative image is displayed on the color monitor (for example, JP-A No. 62-294236). Also known is a simulator that performs electrical gradation correction on a video signal according to the amount of exposure, thereby displaying a color image that simulates a printed photograph.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) The above-mentioned simulator has the disadvantage that the circuit configuration is complicated because it performs gradation correction electrically.Also, in photographic printing, color and density correction is Since this is done using a filter, if the simulator is installed in a photo printing device, the photo printing system and the simulator system will perform independent density and color jJl fiffs, so it is necessary to accurately match the two. It was difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a photoprinting apparatus with a simulator that has a simple configuration and allows accurate correspondence between a photoprinting system and a simulation system.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention measures the color original image that is attached, calculates the exposure amount of each of the three primary colors, and adjusts the color of the three primary colors according to the exposure amount of each color. In a photographic printing device that adjusts the insertion amount of each filter into the optical path and prints a color original image on a photosensitive material using printing light modulated by these color filters, the color original image is imaged and a video signal is output. a simulator consisting of means, an image processing means for inputting this video signal to simulate the characteristics of the photosensitive material, and a color monitor for inputting the image-processed video signal and displaying a color image; A color image is displayed on a color monitor by simulating a color original image irradiated with light controlled by a filter using the characteristics of the photosensitive material.

Furthermore, if the finish is not good when observed on a color monitor, the amount of correction for exposure correction is manually performed. When this amount of correction is input, the amount of insertion of the color filter is adjusted, and a color image that simulates a printed photograph obtained when the photo is printed in this dimming state is displayed on the color monitor.

In this way, when the exposure conditions are corrected, the color image on the color monitor is corrected accordingly, making it possible for even non-experts to perform photo printing.

[Effect]

During monitoring, the color original image is illuminated with light modulated by a color filter, and the color original image is captured in this state. The obtained video signal is simulated with the characteristics of the photosensitive material and sent to a color monitor, where a color image corresponding to the printed photograph obtained when photographic printing is performed in the dimming state is displayed.

In addition, when a correction amount is input for exposure control, the insertion amount of the color filter is adjusted, and by capturing the original color image illuminated in this dimming state, a color image is created that simulates the printed photo when the exposure is corrected. The image is displayed on a color monitor.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

〔Example〕

In FIG. 1, white light emitted from a light source 10 is diffused by a diffusion box 11 and then illuminates a color original image, such as a color negative film 13, set on a negative carrier 12. Between the diffusion box 11 and the light source 10, there are a cyan filter 16 for adjusting the red component of illumination light, a magenta filter 17 for adjusting the green component, and a yellow filter 18 for adjusting the blue component. and are arranged. The filter adjustment unit 19 adjusts the insertion amount of each color filter 16 to 18 into the optical path 20 according to the exposure amount. For example, if the amount of insertion of the cyan filter 16 is increased, the red component of the illumination light will be reduced, and the amount of red exposure will be reduced. The color negative film 13 is covered with a mask 1 operated by a solenoid (not shown) during photo printing.
4 allows you to be pressed down from above.

A turret 22 rotated by a motor 21 is arranged below the color negative film 13. In the drawing, one printing lens 23 is shown, but a plurality of printing lenses are attached according to the enlargement magnification determined by the screen size or trimming of the color negative film 13 or color paper 24. One is selected and set in the printing optical path 20. Further, an aperture 22a for imaging and photometry is formed in the turret 22, and the aperture 22a is set in the printing optical path 20 during monitoring.

The light passing through the turret 22 is reflected laterally through a mirror 25 and enters a zoom lens 26 . This mirror 25 is inserted into the printing optical path 20 during monitoring,
Then, it retreats from the printing optical path 20 during photo printing. Also,
The focal length of the zoom lens 26 is adjusted according to the screen size of the color negative film 13, and the sizes of the color images displayed on the monitor are all adjusted to the same size. A half mirror 27 for dividing the optical path is arranged behind the zoom lens 26. This half mirror-27
The reflected light enters an imaging image sensor unit 29 through a color filter 28 in which red, green, and blue areas are formed at a predetermined pitch. On the other hand, half mirror
The light transmitted through 27 enters a photometric image sensor unit 31 via a color filter 30.

The video signal output from the imaging image sensor unit 29 is processed by an image processing section 33 to a color paper 24.
After being subjected to image processing to simulate the characteristics of the image, the image is sent to the color monitor 34, where a color image simulating a printed photograph is displayed. The characteristics of this color paper depend on the photographic processing method and the printing lens 23.
Since it changes depending on the optical characteristics of In addition, a synchronization signal output from the image sensor unit 29 is sent to the image processing section 33 and the color monitor 34.

On the other hand, the photometric image sensor unit 31 is for proximally performing three-color separation photometry on each pixel of the color original image, and sequentially reads out the red, green, and blue color signals of each pixel for each color. . The time-series signals of each pixel read out for each color are converted into digital signals by an A/D converter 35, then logarithmically converted by a logarithmic converter 36, and then sent to an arithmetic unit 37. This calculation unit 37 is composed of a microcomputer, and calculates various characteristic values such as the LATD value and the average density value of a specific area from the photometric value (three-color density value) of each photometered pixel, and calculates the average density value of the area. Perform pattern classification using

Red using these characteristic values and pattern information.

Automatically calculates the exposure amount of green and blue. The obtained exposure amount for each color is written into the RAM 39 via the pass line 38. Note that in order to quickly calculate the exposure amount, a separate photometric sensor may be provided to measure the LATD value of each color.

The keyboard 42 includes color keys 43 for inputting the amount of color correction for photo printing. Density key 44 for inputting the density correction amount for photo printing system. Function keys 45 for simultaneously inputting color and density correction amounts for photo printing for a specific scene. Correction key 46 for adjusting the amount of automatic correction for photo printing. Operation keys 47 for giving operation instructions. Alphanumeric keys 48 for inputting print data, film type, etc. A print start key 49 is provided. Commands and data input from this keyboard 42 are sent to the CPU 51 via the I10 port 50. Note that reference numeral 52 is a ROM that stores programs for monitoring procedures, programs for photographic printing procedures, and the like.

The shutter 54 is driven by a shutter drive section 55 during photo printing, and opens the printing optical path 20 for a certain period of time to expose the color paper 24. This color paper 24
When one frame of photographic printing is completed, the unexposed portion is pulled out from the supply reel 56 and set at the exposure position behind the paper mask 57. The exposed portion is then sent to a well-known photographic developing section 58 for photographic processing.
Thereafter, it is cut into one frame by a cutter 59 and discharged onto a tray 60. Note that reference numeral 61 is a feed roller for nipping and conveying the color paper 24, and reference numeral 62 is a cutter for cutting off the rear end of the exposed color paper.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a simulator system. The video signal output from the imaging image sensor unit 29 is amplified by an amplifier 65 and then sent to a clamp circuit 6.
6 to set a reference potential. The video signal output from this clamp circuit 66 is sent to a γ circuit 67, where negative/positive inversion is performed. The video signal on which this T correction has been performed is sent to a color signal separation circuit 68, where it is converted into a red signal.

Separated into green and blue signals. These color signals are sent to a 3×3 matrix calculation circuit 69, where they are subjected to electrical masking processing to correct the difference between the light emission characteristics of the color monitor 34 and the color development characteristics of the color paper 24. The controller 70 is an image sensor for imaging.
Each part is controlled according to a synchronization signal from the unit 29. Note that the gain of the amplifier 65 is adjusted by the CPU 51 when the color filters 16 to 18 alone cannot correct the correction.

Figure 3 shows the procedure for monitoring and exposure control.
With reference to this, the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be briefly explained. Operation keys 47 and alphanumeric keys 4 of keyboard 42
8 to manually set printing conditions such as film type, paper type, and enlargement ratio. Next, color negative film I
Frame No. 3 is positioned on the negative carrier 12. At the start of monitoring, the color filters 16 to 18 are set at standard positions, and the aperture 22a of the turret 22 and the mirror 25 are set in the printing optical path 20. Further, the zoom lens 26 is automatically adjusted to a magnification according to the screen size of the color negative film 13 by the CPU 51.

The printing light emitted from the light source 10 passes through color filters 16 to 18 set at standard positions, is sufficiently diffused by the diffusion box 11, and then reaches the color film 13. The light transmitted through the color negative film 13 passes through the opening 22a of the turret 22, and then passes through the mirror 25.
．． The light enters the half mirror 27 via the zoom lens 26. The light reflected by this half mirror 27 enters the imaging image sensor unit 29, and also enters the half mirror.
The light transmitted through the mirror 27 enters a photometric image sensor unit 31.

The photometric image sensor unit 31 reads red, green, and blue color signals separately and sends the temporally separated color signals to the A/D converter 35 . This A/
The signal digitally converted by the D converter 35 passes through the logarithmic converter 36 and is taken into the calculation unit 37, where the exposure amount is calculated. The exposure amount of each color obtained is R
Written to AM39. The CPU 51 calculates a filter value for each color according to the exposure amount of each color stored in the RAM 39, and sends this to the filter adjustment section 19.

The filter adjustment section 19 extracts the color filters 16 to 18 stepwise from the standard position or inserts them further toward the center of the printing optical path 20 in accordance with the filter value of each color. As a result, the amount of insertion of the color filters 16 to 18 into the optical path 20 is adjusted in stages, and the three-color light component of the printing light is
N 1flJ is done. Also, if the correction cannot be made even if color filters 16 to 18 are set to the maximum filter value,
The CPU 51 changes the exposure time and also controls the amplifier 65.
The gain of is divided three times.

The frame set at the printing position has color filters 16 to 16.
It is irradiated with the printing light adjusted in step 18, and in this state is imaged by an imaging image sensor unit 29. The video signal output from this imaging image sensor unit 29 is amplified.

After being subjected to clamping, γ correction, two-color extraction, and masking processing, it is sent to the color monitor 34. As a result, a color image simulating a printed photograph is displayed on the color monitor 34.

The color monitor 34 is observed to determine whether or not the finish of the printed photograph is appropriate. If the color or density is found to be inappropriate, the amount of correction is input by operating the color key 43 or density key 44 of the photo printing system. When this correction amount is input, the CPU 51 increases or decreases the automatically calculated exposure amount in steps according to the correction amount, calculates a filter value corresponding to the corrected exposure amount, and controls the color filters 16 to 18 by determining a filter value corresponding to the corrected exposure amount. Adjust. Therefore, since the illumination state of the frame changes according to the amount of correction specified manually, a color image whose color or density has been corrected is displayed on the color monitor 34. In addition,
When the function key 45 and the correction key 46 are operated, the amount of color filter 16 to be inserted per day is adjusted in the same way. In addition, when performing trimming printing, the negative film 1 is
All you have to do is shift the position of 3. Since photometry for automatic exposure control is performed only at the beginning, even if the position of the negative film 13 is changed, the dimming states of the color filters 16 to 18 do not change.

If the finish is found to be good, the print start key 49 of the keyboard 42 is operated, the turret 22 rotates, the printing lens 23 is set, and the mirror 25 is retracted from the printing optical path 20. Immediately after this, the shutter 54 is activated, and the frames recorded on the color negative film 13 are printed onto the color vapor 24 by the printing light whose light quality has been adjusted by the color filters 16 to 18.

When printing one frame of photo is finished, color paper 2
4 is moved by one frame, and the unexposed portion is set at the exposure position. Along with this, the opening 22a of the turret 22
and mirror 25 are set in the printing optical path 20, and color filters 16 to 18 are set in standard positions. Negative verification and photo printing can be performed for each frame by following the same procedure.

In the embodiment described above, when the exposure amount is corrected, the insertion amount of the color filter is corrected, and the corrected color image is displayed. By the way, for frames where subject feria occurs, experts can accurately determine the amount of exposure correction needed to properly finish the frame by simply observing a color image that simulates a printed photograph with automatic light control. can do. For these experts,
There is no problem even if the corrected color image is not displayed on the monitor, and efficiency can be improved by starting photo printing immediately after inputting the amount of correction. Therefore, in an apparatus used by a skilled person, the color filter may be adjusted based on the exposure correction amount when the print start key 49 is operated, and the shutter 54 may be opened after this light adjustment. Further, a switch key between a monitor mode and a print mode may be provided, and when this mode switch key is set to the print side, the lens 23 is set and the mirror 25 is retracted for printing.

In this way, after switching to print mode, even if the color filter is adjusted by inputting the exposure correction amount, the monitor display will not be affected, and this is convenient for printing photos that do not require a monitor display. .

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described in detail above, the present invention provides a photographic printing apparatus in which the exposure amount is adjusted by dimming a color filter, but the characteristics of the photosensitive material are simulated, but the exposure amount is not corrected. Since we have installed a simulator that does not perform any electrical processing, and simulated optically by controlling the light of color filters, we can make the correspondence between the photo printing system and the simulator system appropriate, and also This eliminates the need for electrical gradation correction, which was performed in the previous device, and the circuit configuration of the simulator system can be extremely simplified.

Additionally, because the original color image is irradiated with the same light that is used to print on photosensitive materials, the number of elements to be simulated is reduced, and simulation performance is improved accordingly.

Furthermore, the image sensor unit for imaging will lack a dynamic range if the light amount range to be imaged is wide, but in the present invention, since the color original image illuminated with dimmed light is imaged, the dynamic range of the image sensor unit for imaging is insufficient. The full range can be used and the shortage of dynamic lenses can be solved. Along with this, the dynamic range of the image processing unit can also be narrow, and in analog processing systems, the S/N ratio does not deteriorate even if the voltage amplitude is narrowed, and in digital processing systems, it is possible to reduce the number of data bits. can.

In addition, when modifying the simulation results, if you operate the photo printing system's correction key and modify the dimming state of the color filter, the color image changed by this modification will be displayed on the color monitor, and the modified state will be displayed. Since confirmation can be performed, even non-experts can perform proper photo printing. Furthermore, since the simulator system does not need to perform any processing to modify the simulation results, there is no need for any special operations or circuit devices for relating the two.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a photo printing apparatus with a simulator according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a program diagram showing an example of a simulator system. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the steps of monitor display and photo printing. 10... Light source 13... Color negative film 16... Cyan filter 17... Magenta filter 18... Yellow filter 23... Printing lens 24... Color paper 29... Image sensor for imaging Unit 31...
Photometric image sensor unit 34...color monitor 43...color key 44...density key. Procedural amendment

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) Calculate the exposure amount of each of the three primary colors by photometering the attached color original image, adjust the amount of insertion of each of the three primary color filters into the optical path according to the exposure amount of each color, and perform adjustment using these color filters. A photographic printing apparatus that prints a color original image onto a photosensitive material using emitted printing light includes means for capturing an image of the color original image and outputting a video signal, and a means for inputting the video signal to simulate the characteristics of the photosensitive material. Equipped with a simulator consisting of an image processing means and a color monitor that inputs the image-processed video signal and displays a color image, the color original image illuminated with light modulated by the color filter is displayed on the photosensitive material. A photo printing device with a simulator, characterized in that a color image simulated with characteristics is displayed on a color monitor. (2) Calculate the exposure amount of each of the three primary colors by photometering the attached color original image, adjust the amount of insertion of each of the three primary color filters into the optical path according to the exposure amount of each color, and adjust using these color filters. A photographic printing apparatus that prints a color original image onto a photosensitive material using the printed printing light includes means for capturing an image of the color original image illuminated with the dimmed printing light and outputting a video signal, and a means for outputting a video signal, and a means for outputting a video signal. an image processing means for simulating the characteristics of the photosensitive material;
A color monitor that displays a color image by inputting an image-processed video signal, a means for observing the color monitor and inputting correction amounts of color and density for exposure control, and when the correction amounts are input. and a means for adjusting the insertion position of the color filter according to the amount of correction, and by adjusting the insertion amount of the color filter, a color image that optically simulates a printed photograph of the color original image is displayed on the color monitor. A photo printing device with a simulator, characterized in that: